Raindrops are tiny lightning bolts, and they’re corroding cars, study finds
Researchers have discovered that raindrops can carry high electrical charges that physically damage protective coatings on surfaces like cars. This 'slide electrification' process can create sparks that punch microscopic holes in materials, leading to accelerated corrosion.
Why it matters
This finding challenges traditional understandings of corrosion and could lead to the development of more durable protective coatings for vehicles and infrastructure.
zappy water Raindrops are tiny lightning bolts, and they’re corroding cars, study finds Finding reveals an overlooked way that water can damage surfaces.
55 Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav The standard explanation for why rain causes corrosion is that water carries dissolved salts and acids to a surface, constant drumming of raindrops abrades whatever protective coating is on it, and oxygen does the rest. Nearly all our tools to prevent this—paints, polymer films, or oxide layers—are built around this idea. But we’ve apparently been missing something important about the rain.
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